Knock Out
MAP Brewing Co.

i love black ipa, are they having a little resurgence right now? i feel like ive had more in the last little while than i have in years, i hope that is the case! this borders on a double at this abv, great flavor, noticeably well refined, bold hops but no bitterness double jeopardy with the high roast too, well designed. very dark brown and very high shine, obsidian luster to this, glassy looking, with a high and airy light brown head, tiny bubbles stacking up and staying. the aroma and flavor are roasty not but smoked or burnt, and without the coffee nuance these sometimes have, more dark cocoa and bitter cocoa nib, earthen and deep but not overly intense there, some molasses, toffee, and bready grain freshness and depth, but there is plenty of room for the hops, and the body isnt all that big for how strong it is, sneaky. the hops come in waves, weedy and even fuel-like up front, especially in the nose, kind of gassing off to some cool fruitiness, white grapefruit, citrus pith, and then moving to more of a gin-like herbal thing, spruce and juniper and even like bay leaf or something, some hop bitterness there ahead of the roasted barley bitterness, which i think is a nice choice for this, cool balance from a chocolate layer in the grain, some general soft sweetness coursing through it, and a curious but welcome cola note as well. complex but cohesive, hoppy and fresh, downright delicious. i could pick this one out from a crowd, but it also delivers all the classic elements for the style, and i dont hate the higher abv for the chilly dark months we are in right now, this could totally take you down. great beer in a style i adore!